There is another dumbass, inconsiderately noisy party* next door—as most parties are, I suppose, though I wish I had neighbors with better music taste—and fittingly enough, my nerd self is sat down in front of a computer screen, typing away on a blog post about Star Wars and other stuff, one cool Friday night in December.
I haven’t written a Casual Consumption post in a while, but it feels like a Glaring Omission if I don’t write even just a few words about Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Like, even though I loved it a lot, I kind of do not feel like dedicating one whole post to it. Maybe a series of ill-conceived micro-posts, perhaps? Who knows?
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Anyway, I guess I kind of already revealed my viewage of The Force Awakens. Although I have fully accepted the occurrence of spoilers, I am vehemently opposed to them and I am also completely disgusted by individuals who feel the need to spoil people “for fun.” Like, who hurt you as a child? No, don’t answer that. I don’t want to know.
I watched it on IMAX the day after my siblings saw it, and I kid you not, a Han Solo proposed to a Princess Leia when we were in line for the next screening, and like a new!trilogy Stormtrooper trotted into the theater to grace us with his presence. At first I was like, “Really?” but then I put myself in his/her shoes and thought about how much more fun I’d have had if I dressed like a witch for the Deathly Hallows screening instead of going as freaking Kreacher.
ANYWAY.
My thoughts are going to be spoiler-free, but also enclosed in like a black background, so just highlight the ff. block of text with your mouse if you’re so inclined to um, know what I think? I fucking loved it so much. I’m not the biggest Star Wars fan, though I’ve seen all of them multiple times. I thought it was such a great follow-up to the existing series, a breath of fresh air after a frankly disappointing start to the prequels.
I noticed a lot of parallels with the existing Star Wars movies—a deliberate move, I’m sure—and I liked that there was a cyclical nature to their history, too, without it feeling repetitive. There are a lot of similarities, but also a lot of ways in which the story deviates from the original narrative. Of course, it won’t be the same—and that’s a great thing, but I also like that they found a way to make it familiar almost.
There were times where the humor felt a little off, especially with Finn, John Boyega’s character, but the new cast of characters were just so good with incredibly compelling personal histories. I look forward to getting to know all of them. Rey, Daisy Ridley’s character, particularly, was such a well-developed person to me. She was probably my favorite new character. Aside from BB-8. Adam Driver was also kind of really spectacular. And Oscar Isaac was, too. I mean, like I said: it’s a damn good cast of new characters that I can see being easily loved.
I was anticipating a sad scene, and I felt really sad about it when it came, but I was moved to actual fucking tears during a lightsaber duel. I think The Force Awakens pays respect to its source material, dips its toes in unavoidable nostalgia, but doesn’t pander to its audience. Nothing sticks out to me particularly as fan service—thank God—and I just absolutely love seeing so many landscapes and creatures (and their different sympathies) within that galaxy far, far away.
You know what? I’m probably going to end up writing that review after all. All I wanted to do after I saw it was see it again.
(I ended up seeing The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi the day after, having seen A New Hope prior to The Force Awakens. Yeah, I know the order is odd. I’m moody.)
Chronicle
Another film I saw recently was Chronicle, Josh Trank’s contribution to film prior to directing the absolutely painful-to-watch Fantastic Four. Chronicle, in comparison, was a pretty enjoyable film; probably not worth all the hype it got, but quite good. Impressive, given the budget, and the amount of Trank’s film experience prior to it. I think he should be applauded for this feat—and earning back his “paltry” budget several times over—but I don’t know if he should have been given Fantastic Four. ANYWAY.
I’m a little bit of a sucker for origin stories, so I’m not sure how I feel about the cause of their powers, as well as their parameters, continuing to be quite a mystery.
Although I suppose I’m a little more worried that I relate to Dane DeHaan the most.
Survivor: Cambodia
As for television, I’ve been really, really enjoying Survivor: Cambodia (slash-Second Chances) the most. I started the season rooting for both Stephen Fishbach and Spencer Bledsoe, though at the end of it all, I think the person I wanted to see win was Kelley Wentworth. In any case, this was honestly so high up in my list of BEST SURVIVOR SEASONS; it was fucking crazy. I’m a little sad about the next season’s theme, but I know I’m probably going to enjoy it anyway.
Please Like Me
One of my newest favorite shows on the planet, Please Like Me is an Australian comedy drama by Josh Thomas. Easily one of the best shows I’ve seen this year, and I’ve seen plenty. I’m still catching up—I watch with my sister and often, we cannot marathon it because of the weight of our subsequent feelings—but I am so incredibly fond of it. I’m happy it’s got three seasons, and though I haven’t seen all of it, I’m already hoping for a fourth.
Zayn
FADER interviewed Duncan “Donuts” Cooper, the guy who interviewed Zayn for their cover story, and it’s so cute and he has fallen so in love with Zayn after the interview. Obviously. Who would not? Nobody.
He also just posted a Dubsmash of Frozen, and I’m literally sobbing, I kid you not.
— zayn (@zaynmalik) December 18, 2015
LOOKIT.
ANYWAY.
That’s mostly what I have so far. I’ve read a couple of books… but I do not think I will actually be able to finish my 52 book goal, RIP me. I mean, I TRIED REALLY HARD. 2015 was a shitty year, y’all. There were amazing things that happened, don’t get me wrong. But I have never felt so much like shit as I did this year. Anyway, I’m working on it. So I suppose that should be enough. It is, at least, for me. For now.
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* It’s come to my attention that it is probably a birthday party, and I’m sorry for whining about it. Though I still do not like your/the DJ’s music taste. But happy birthday anyway.